Outlander fans have been left divided after one Reddit user branded Caitriona Balfe’s character Claire Fraser ‘insufferable’ and accused her of ‘pick me’ behaviour
Outlander fans are torn following a new critique of the main character Claire Fraser, depicted by Caitriona Balfe on the Starz show.
Rewatching the hit series based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels has led one viewer to describe Claire as “insufferable” and accuse her of displaying “pick me” tendencies, particularly in how she deals with Geillis Duncan (Lotte Verbeek) during the first season. The series, set to make a comeback this autumn, focuses on Claire’s adventures with Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan.
On the discussion platform Reddit, @fatcatstypefast opened up about their irritations over Claire, noting: “On my first rewatch and I don’t remember being this annoyed by Claire. I just started Season 2 but my thoughts on Season 1 is how self-righteous, selfish, trouble-starting, etc. I know it’s just a show lol and she is this way for the drama but still.”
They continued expressing discontent about Claire’s attitude towards Geillis, saying: “How she treated Geillis throughout was so…rude for lack of a better term. Geillis shared enough for them to really be great friends but Claire always met her with judgment. Even after G sacrificed herself to save C, C did nothing to honour her/her experience and did nothing to learn more about her journey after knowing she also came from the future.
“I know the story is based on the books but they couldn’t written this storyline so much better,” the fan expressed. “The first time around I couldn’t get myself to watch episode 16, this time I grimaced through it. Claire is the whole reason J and R get to the point that they did and she never takes accountability. I also think how she treated him afterwards lacked empathy and understanding.
“Way later on I know Claire looks back on the trip with Murtaugh singing and dancing like it was some bestie road trip, but seeing it again she’s incredibly standoffish, judgmental (shocker), and mean to him the entire time lmao. So odd. At the beginning of season 2 it’s like she jumps back to the future and becomes a fragile little doll after spending the last few years standing up to Scots/Redcoats and performing acts of bravery. I know the jump is traumatic but not any more than the things she’s experienced in the 1700s?? Lastly, and more of a side comment, I enjoy Jenny’s character even more this time around. Even before she called Claire on her attitude when they were tracking Jamie in the woods. I see why Claire has zero friends in the past or the future. Biiiiiig pick me energy.”
“Again, all my own opinion and probably unpopular. I hope the dislike doesn’t bother me enough to stop my rewatch because I do love the show,” concluded the viewer. As the discussion unfolded on social media, fans were quick to weigh in with their perspectives on Claire’s character, with several rushing to support her.
One viewer criticised: “She’s very judgy, self-righteous, nosy, and bossy. She’s also strong, intelligent, loyal, and adventurous.” Another said: “I don’t remember much of the first season but I can’t imagine the weight on her being transported 200 years back and she can’t do anything about that. In only 20 minutes after time travelling she’s assaulted, attacked, nearly raped and kidnapped by a seemingly violent group of men who continuously dismiss her opinions. I’m not surprised if she’s not in her best mood throughout the season.”
Yet another chimed in: “I love it! I think she’s super flawed and also so many good things, too! It’s realistic to me.” And one person offered a balanced view, the Daily Record reported, saying: “Yeah I really struggle to like Claire but then I sit down and realise that she’s just acting like a man. If she were a man in this scenario we would all be cheering her on… for being independent-minded, for getting along well with the opposite sex, for knowing what he wants, for sticking up for people, for not letting anyone sway him like a good strong man, and occasionally we might say he’s a little arrogant.”
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